Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Contingencies	Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims primarily related to competitors, customers, employees, franchisees, government agencies, intellectual property, shareholders and suppliers. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. In connection with the sale in 2007 of its businesses in 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to a developmental licensee organization, the Company agreed to indemnify the buyers for certain tax and other claims, certain of which are reflected on McDonald’s Consolidated balance sheet (2011 and 2010: other long-term liabilities–$49.4 million and $49.6 million, respectively; 2011 and 2010: accrued payroll and other liabilities–$21.2 million and $28.4 million, respectively). The Company believes any other matters currently being reviewed will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims primarily related to competitors, customers, employees, franchisees, government agencies, intellectual property, shareholders and suppliers. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.

In connection with the sale in 2007 of its businesses in 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to a developmental licensee organization, the Company agreed to indemnify the buyers for certain tax and other claims, certain of which are reflected on McDonald’s Consolidated balance sheet (2011 and 2010: other long-term liabilities–$49.4 million and $49.6 million, respectively; 2011 and 2010: accrued payroll and other liabilities–$21.2 million and $28.4 million, respectively).

The Company believes any other matters currently being reviewed will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.